James N. Boeder

James "Jim" Norbert Boeder, 79 of Reeseville and formerly of Wilton, died Friday, August 1, 2025, in Cody, Wyoming. He was born on May 22, 1946, to Norbert Herman Otto Boeder and Adeline Elizabeth (Preuss) Boeder in Mauston, Wisconsin. Jim grew up on the family farm on Dorset Ridge, Wisconsin. He attended Royall High School in Elroy, Wisconsin and graduated with the Class of 1964. He recently attended his 60th class reunion. He received two degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. His Bachelor of Science in Industry degree in 1969 and his Master of Science Industrial Technology degree in 1984. Shortly after completing his college education, Jim began his 32-year career at Watertown Senior High School in Watertown, Wisconsin teaching Industrial Arts. Throughout his teaching career he was also involved in the school yearbook, newspaper, and the establishment of the computerized industrial arts program. On June 2, 1973, Jim was united in marriage to Vickie Harrison at. St John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Kendall, Wisconsin. They recently celebrated 52 years of marriage. Jim's appreciation for nature and love of traveling took him to all corners of the world. Whether it was family summer camping trips up north or trips out west, he was always up for the next adventure. Traveling abroad to Japan and Spain to visit his son, daughter-in-law and family who were stationed overseas. His interest in his German heritage led him to reconnect with the extended family in Germany and traveling to Germany to meet and reunite with them. This deepened his appreciation for different cultures and landscapes and was a highlight of Jim's ancestry journey. He was a past member of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Kendall, Wisconsin, and was a current member of St. Mark's Ev. Lutheran Church in Watertown, Wisconsin. He was also a member of the Pommerscher Verein Freistadt, a German organization. Jim was an accomplished and gifted woodworker. He built the family home in Reeseville, Wisconsin and the log home in Wapiti, Wyoming. He made countless pieces of furniture for his own home with the loving assistance of Vickie. Toy boxes for his children and grandchildren,
various furniture pieces for friends and family and most notably the cherished pieces donated to St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Kendall. He enjoyed sharing his woodworking knowledge and troubleshooting techniques with others on their projects. Jim's desire and passion for adventure, seeing new places and meeting new people led him to have some of his life's most fulfilling experiences. Jim had a unique way of putting people at ease upon meeting them. His easy going, gentle and curious demeanor often led to lifelong friendships enriching himself and those around him. Jim left this world with a legacy of
kindness, generosity, love and adventure.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Vickie of Reeseville, Wisconsin; sons Ryan (Katherine) Boeder of Chesapeake, Virginia and Erick Boeder of DeForest, Wisconsin; beloved "Opa" to grandchildren Ander, Cora and Kieren; brother Dennis (Betty) Boeder of Wilton, Wisconsin; sisters Julie (Dave) Sulzle of Watertown, South Dakota and Janis (Ben) Forschler of Tomah, Wisconsin; father-in-law Robert Harrison of Tomah, Wisconsin; and a sister-in-law Barbara (Ron) Brieske of Tomah, Wisconsin. He is further survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 11:00 AM at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, 297 West South Railroad Street, Kendall. Pastor Zachary Meier will officiate. Burial will be in Dorset Ridge Cemetery, Wilton. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Tuesday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
Smith-Nelson/Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com